Ambition
is the aspiration of a person for success or advancement in
any field. It is the inner force that motivates a person to
better his or her condition or state in life. It gives
motivation to achieve great things through hard work,
determination and drive. It helps a person to set a goal for
oneself and reach it.

To a certain extent
ambition has been responsible for the fashioning of giants
in the world in all spheres of activity. Healthy ambition is
free from selfishness, vanity and pride. It is considerate
towards others and does not put down others in order to
achieve its own aims and goals. Not all are gifted with
healthy ambition. We can infuse this in those who show a
lack of it. Ambition is a trait to be cultivated with care.
It spurs us on to struggle with purpose.

Story

A man, eager to learn
English in order to come up in life, entered a bookstore and
asked the salesman: “How many methods do you have to
learn English?” He was shown a shelf on which he
counted fourteen methods in all. The man asked: “Which
one of these is the best?” The salesman answered:
“Take any one; one is as bad as the other.” The
man asked: “Then what am I supposed to do?” The
salesman said: “If you want to learn English, be
ambitious; mix with people who speak English and start
talking. Once you set your goals with ambition, you will
succeed.”

Ambition is the aspiration of a person for success or advancement in any field. It is the
inner force that motivates a person to better his or her condition or state in life. It gives
motivation to achieve great things through hard work, determination and drive. It helps a person to
set a goal for oneself and reach it.

To a certain extent ambition has been responsible
for the fashioning of giants in the world in all spheres of activity. Healthy ambition is free from
selfishness, vanity and pride. It is considerate towards others and does not put down others in
order to achieve its own aims and goals. Not all are gifted with healthy ambition. We can infuse
this in those who show a lack of it. Ambition is a trait to be cultivated with care. It spurs us on
to struggle with purpose.

Story

A man, eager to learn
English in order to come up in life, entered a bookstore and asked the salesman: “How many
methods do you have to learn English?” He was shown a shelf on which he counted fourteen
methods in all. The man asked: “Which one of these is the best?” The salesman answered:
“Take any one; one is as bad as the other.” The man asked: “Then what am I
supposed to do?” The salesman said: “If you want to learn English, be ambitious; mix
with people who speak English and start talking. Once you set your goals with ambition, you will
succeed.”

Cleanliness refers to a habitual neatness or purity without any dirt, filth or corruption. In this
narrowest sense it is freedom from dirt, filth, adulteration and corruption. In its widest sense, it
is freedom from guilt, and defilement.

Cleanliness shows respect for the dignity of a
human person. It prompts us to pursue principles of inner purity. It leads to a life that is
systematic, well-ordered and healthy. It is a reflection of inner purity. It helps us to keep our
surroundings neat and clean.

Narration

A famous
scientist and Nobel laureate visited New Delhi for an international conference. Just adjacent to the
five star hotel he was staying, he found a slum with lots of people living in unhygienic conditions.
He visited them and to his dismay he realised that many of them had been affected by quite a few
diseases. Immediately he met the authorities concerned and made arrangements to provide them clean
and healthy place for living. After that the people were able to live a healthy life with a clean
environment.

Cleanliness can be cultivated through

Keeping all things in their place and wearing clean clothes

Keeping the body, mind and
soul clean and pure

Helping others to keep the house and surroundings neat and clean

Avoiding bad and indecent language

Not scribbling on the walls, using dust-bins
properly and keeping toilets clean

“Contentment comes not so much
from greater wealth as from fewer wants”

-
D.J.D.

Contentment refers to a state of desirelessness.
It is the ability to be satisfied with what one has without unnecessary desires or avarice. It does
not imply that one does not want to strive to achieve great things or work hard. Contentment
cultivates self-discipline and a life style that is devoid of luxury and ease.

Contentment negates greediness. It arises from the subduing of one’s desires. As Buddha says,
“Desire is the root cause of all evil,” so contentment aims to overcome desires which
are worldly, petty and greedy. A contented mind is the greatest blessing we can enjoy in this
world.

To be happy and satisfied with what we have is the key to a peaceful life. Of
course, this does not deter any one from making progress in life. A contented person is never
jealous, contentment prompts one to enjoy one’s life without comparing it with that of
another; it will not pave the way for unhealthy competition. A contented person will enjoy serenity
and peace of mind. Never will we hear complaint or dissatisfaction from contented persons. A
contented person is a friend of all. The fewer our wants, the nearer we resemble God

Story

A wise man from China once received the favour of visiting
heaven and hell. In hell he saw men and women with sunken faces and bony limbs, seated around an
enormous heap of tasty rice and fruits. They were all terribly hungry; their hands were tied with
long spoons and they could not fold their arms to eat. When they tried to reach their food to the
mouth the food was thrown to the floor. They were thinking of only themselves. Whereas in heaven he
saw also men and women seated around another heap of rice and fruits very similar to the one he had
seen in hell. But here all were very happy with beaming faces and aglow with health. They too could
not fold their arms while eating. However, everyone was thinking of the other and hence they were
feeding the person in front with contentment and joy.

Contentment Can Be
Cultivated through

Enjoying one’s life without comparing it with
that of others

Controlling carefully the use of food, clothing, time, recreation,
travel

Desiring and requesting only the basic essentials

Finding time daily for
quiet reflection, to replenish moral and spiritual resources

Life has many challenges and they must be faced with courage. Courage is the ability to
face the strains and setbacks of our rapidly changing environment, with valour.

It is
inherently dynamic. It motivates us to fight for our principles and values. It prompts us to face
any situation and spurs us to stand boldly even in the face of death.

Courage coupled
with love makes us even sacrifice our life. It bestows on us superhuman powers leading us to heights
of heroism. True courage is linked with deep faith.

Courage has driven philosophers,
scientists, technologists and freedom fighters to forge ahead undauntedly to achieve the impossible.
It emanates not from the absence of fear but from the ability to overcome fear. It is the only force
that induces us to meet peril, disaster and melancholy with calmness, poise, tranquillity,
fearlessness and confidence.

Testimony

“Due to my involvement in the struggle for the freedom of my
people, I have known very few quiet days in the last few years. I have been arrested five times and
put in Alabama Jails. My home has been bombed twice. A day seldom passes that my family and I are
not the recipients of threats of death. I have been the victim of near-fatal stabbing. So, in a real
sense I have been battered by the storms of persecution. I must admit that at times I have felt that
I could no longer bear such a heavy burden, and have been tempted to retreat to a more quiet and
serene life,. But every time such a temptation appeared, something came to strengthen my
determination. Faith in Jesus gave me courage to face all these.”

- Martin Luther King

Courage Can Be Cultivated
through

Accepting corrections in the right spirit

Overcoming
frailties and weaknesses

Rising above criticism and rash judgment

Resisting fear
complex

Owning our mistakes

Facing new challenges and shouldering
responsibilities

Placing trust and confidence in God and developing an unshakable faith in
him

Facing the realities of life and accepting one’s own limitations

Learning to accept failures as stepping stones to success

Enduring trials, accidents
and unexpected happenings with tolerance and composure

Creativity empowers a person to uncover the hidden forces lying dormant. It helps a person to
travel the path of the unknown and to unearth the hidden mysteries.

Creativity makes us
to constantly search. It awakens our intellect and sharpens our thinking. It teaches one to be
objective and factual in all fields of enquiry. Creativity blossoms in an atmosphere of freedom and
openness. It leads us to new discoveries and helps us to explore in to our own inner being.

Creativity sharpens our intellect to acquire knowledge. It shines through concentration of the
mind. It cultivates rationality and prompts us to achievement and success and helps us to dare with
a vision. Creativity is the ability to bring something new in to existence. This embraces a wide
variety of forms: a mechanical invention, a chemical process, a poem, a painting, a musical
composition, an essay, a book, etc. the emphasis in all these is upon originality, freshness,
novelty, ingenuity, diversity, cleverness and aptness.

Illustration

After a tiring day, Walt Disney was in bed, trying to sleep. But he could not sleep at all
the whole night since his friends, who had returned after a full day’s picnic, were snoring.
Each one was snoring in his own way. Even though Walt Disney was not able to sleep; he made use of
the time to record the pitch and rhythm and later composed a beautiful, snoring symphony which was
included in the film ‘Full Bright Moon and Seven Stars’ which won him Oscar Award for
music.

Creativity Can Be Cultivated through

Observing and
inquiring into the how and why of things and activities

Developing curiosity in events that
take place

Cultivating hobbies suited to one’s temperament and disposition

Following current events with an analytical mind

Analysing one’s behaviour to
arrive at a better understanding of one’s self

Probing into the depths of
knowledge

Being alert

Exploring inquisitively

Being innovative

Exercising a continued sprit of enquiry in any profession

Appreciating art, music, folk
art, folk music, etc.

Exercises

Recall the moments from your life when you had put into practice creativity.

Determination refers to the quality of being firm, resolute and strong-willed. It enables a
person to face peril, disaster and adversity with unflinching courage, firmness, strength of mind
and spirit. It helps a person to stand up and fight against the events and circumstances that tend
to destroy and cripple and thus helps one to achieve one’s aim in life.

Determination disciplines a person to meet calamity with patience and inner strength. It supplies
inner energy and exudes quiet sustaining strength to meet all crises with composure helping us to
maintain equilibrium at the time of all crises. Determination is an ingredient of a noble character
that endows the individual with the gift to smile in the face of adversity and fills a person with
confidence and courage to the trials of life. Determination develops a sense of self-confidence,
maturity, and fulfilment. It gives courage and peace.

Parable A
sparrow fell in love with a white rose, but the rose said to the bird: “Unless I am turned in
to red, I will not be able to love you. “The sparrow, left in deep thoughts, wondered and
searched for means to turn the white rose into red. At dawn of the marrow the sparrow was struck
with the bright idea of pricking itself with a thorn and letting its blood flow on the rose. Having
accomplished its task, when the rose turned red, the sparrow breathed its last after achieving its
goal with determination.

Determination can be cultivated through

Developing a positive outlook on life

Accepting reverses
with calmness

Making continued, persevering attempts to attain a goal in spite of
setbacks

Maintaining quality of heart and mind

Accepting failures with
courage

Facing the consequences of unjust punishment

Suppressing personal
grievances

Working for the betterment of others

Giving up one’s own
interests for the sake of others

Disciplining oneself to meet crises.

Exercises

Recall your mind instances where you have acted with determination
in your life.

Dignity of labour impels us to develop respect for different types of work making us realize
that every individual must contribute his or her quota of work for the betterment of society. We
would no more discriminate between white collar jobs and manual work or between social elitism and
false pride. Dignity of labour manifests itself through its characteristics of perseverance and
diligence which encourage us to enjoy and take pride in our work. Dignity of labour will prompt all
of us to work for the nation with dedication and commitment and contribute our mite in its march
towards progress and growth.

Dignity of labour tells us very clearly that work in all
its form is ennobling. The greatness of human beings lies in their ability to toil in any kind of
work. Dignity of labour recognizes that every one’s work is important. It impels us to avoid
class consciousness. Dignity of labour helps us to discover ourselves, gives satisfaction and peace,
and contributes to our growth and independence.

Illustration

When General Washington was made commander of the American Forces, he came one day to a group of
soldiers who were working hard to dig a pit while their officer stood aside shouting at them.
Washington asked him why he did not give them a helping hand. The officer answered: “You
should know, Sir, that I’m a corporal. I’ll never stoop to this kind of work.”
Washington said nothing but stepped in and started helping the men. When the work was over, he
turned to the corporal and said: “When you have any more work like that which you are not
ready to do yourself, just ask for General Washington and I shall be only too eager to
come.”

Diligence is perseverance and steady effort. It makes a
person industrious and hardworking helping him/her to face the challenges in this competitive world
with courage and conviction. It gives a person the ability and the enthusiasm to undertake a
time-bound, goal-oriented task and the patience to pursue the goal cheerfully in spite of setbacks
and failures. It contributes to fulfilment and negates aimlessness, goallessness and
meaninglessness.

Diligence has produced persons of great calibre, endowing them with
constancy, security and sound character. It brings out creativity in individuals, inspires people to
do great things and goads people to dare impossible feats.

Testimony

A man walking through the forest saw a fox that had lost its
legs and wondered how it survived. Then he saw a tiger come in with a prey in its mouth. The tiger
had its fill and left the rest of the meet for the fox.

The next day God fed the fox
by means of the same tiger. The man began to wonder at God’s great goodness and said to
himself, “I too shall just shall just rest in a corner with full trust in the Lord and he will
provide me with all I need.”

He did so for many days but nothing happened and the
poor fellow was almost at death’s door when he heard a voice say, “O, you who are in the
path of error, open your eyes to the truth! Follow the example of the tiger and stop imitating the
disabled fox. Be diligent and work hard.”

Diligence Can Be Cultivated
through

Cheerfully participating in the work at home, institution, etc.

Exploring one’s potentials and talents

Looking out for creative
opportunities

Applying one’s mind to studies seriously and regularly

Paying
full attention in classes

Undertaking remedial exercises

Trying to develop the
intellect to the maximum

Being punctual and regular

Making efforts to improve
one’s efficiency

Being engaged in productive work

Exercises

Give examples of success and failure due to diligence from your own
life.

Discernment implies good judgment. It is a mental process that helps us to
perceive the differences between good and bad enabling us to sift between valuables and
non-valuables. In this materialistic world, we are exposed to numerous allurements through sensual
attractions and advertisements. We are faced with numerous choices to choose from. It helps us to
assess our actions in the background of the ideals and values we cherish.

Discernment
should be exercised honestly in the full light of critical thinking and deliberate reflection. It
considers the facts and rejects thoughts and feelings that are biased and prejudiced. Discernment
exposes hypocrisy, false self-pride, pretence and looks at reality in a perceptive way. It helps
people to refine their character, gives scope for the practice of the values of integrity,
sincerity, frankness and openness. Discernment gives insight in to problems, creates clarity of
vision and develops an open mind.

Illustration

The Zufi
Bayazid says this about himself: “I was revolutionary when I was young and all my prayer to
God was: ‘Lord, give me the energy to change the world’.

“As I
approached middle age and realised that half my life was gone without my changing a single soul, I
changed my prayer to: ‘Lord, give me the grace to change myself!’ After this I found
changes in myself and others. If I had prayed for this gift right from the start I would not have
wasted half my life.”

Discernment Can Be Cultivated through

Assessing one’s potentials, aptitudes, skills and talents

Analysing processes and
procedures of action in the light of the goals to be accomplished

Probing the depths of our
inner being in consonance with our inner voice

Excellence means to be extremely good or competent. It instils in a person a longing for
perfection in all spheres of activity, whether individual or collective. You become engaged in
ceaseless industry and dogged persistence, till the task is accomplished. Excellence manifests a
restlessness that is only satisfied by exceptional performance. Average mediocrity is not enough. It
does not live on praise and recognition either.

Excellence evaluates its performance
from time to time, to devise means of improving its end-product. It is open to criticism and
suggestions, and studies them objectively to enrich the quality and the quantity of production. It
develops a spirit of enquiry, research, perseverance and constancy always looking for new ideas,
views, experiments and creative and innovative thinking. It exhibits determinations, drives us to
give our best to make our work outstanding, and infuses mastery and love for quality work.
Excellence always looks for perfection.

Narration

Blondin, the famous tight-rope walker of America once balanced himself across a thin wire high above
Niagara Falls, while hundreds of gaping spectators held their breaths. When the incredible walk feat
was accomplished and the applause had died down, Blondin called out: “Do you believe that I
can do it again?” A tremendous roar of assent went up from the crowd. “All right,”
shouted Blondin with great confidence, “who will sit on my shoulders as I make the return
trip?” He was Excelling in tight rope walking because of his determination, hard work and
perseverance.

Excellence Can Be Cultivated through

Working hard
to shine in life

Maintaining our working place clean and tidy

Beautifying the
surroundings of our home

Doing our works as perfectly as possible

Practising the
art of evaluation and critical analysis after major undertakings

Aiming at quality
performance in all that we do

Making critical assessment of various activities

Realizing that individual’s excellence contributes to national excellence.

Honesty
means truthfulness. It is a quality within an individual that urges a person to be true to oneself
and to others. Honesty does not permit any camouflage or duplicity. It shows no deception. It is
actualized by a person’s ability to stand up for one’s convictions, honouring
one’s commitments. Honesty ennobles a person’s character, establishes a person’s
reputation as a trustworthy individual, and brings respectability. There is no treasure as rich as
honesty. Honesty brings peace of mind and happiness. It stands by convictions and right discernment
and its demands firmness of mind and upright thinking.

Illustration

A boy went to a lady’s house to sell some berries
he had picked. “Yes I’ll buy some,” said the lady as she took the pail and went
inside. Without concern for the berries, the boy stayed at the door, whistling to some birds parched
in a cage. “Don’t you want to come in and see that I don’t take more than I
should? How do you know that I won’t cheat you?” she asked. The boy answered:
“I’m not worried. Besides, you’d get the worst of it.” “Get the worst
of it?” said the lady. “What you mean by that?” “Oh, I would only lose a few
berries, but you would make yourself a thief.”

Honesty Can Be Cultivated
through

Obeying the dictates of one’s conscience

Displaying correspondence between thoughts, words and deeds

Accepting one’s
potentialities and limitations and not hiding them from others

Speaking truth on all
occasions

Admitting one’s faults truthfully

Giving correct account of money
spent

Repaying loans, respecting the conditions attached to them

Refraining from
partiality

Accepting full responsibility for works done

Not deceiving others,
avoiding copying in examinations

Obeying rules and regulations

Not giving or
taking bribes

Not transacting black money

Having no part in evil practices such as
smuggling, hoarding, adulteration, etc.

Earning one’s livelihood by honest and
genuine means.

Exercises

Recognize situations
where honesty and dishonesty are practised.

Identify honesty and its fruits.

Discover life-situations where honesty has to be practised.

Analyse the problems that arise due to dishonesty and suggested remedies

“Hope is like the glittering ray of the sun that annihilates all
darkness.”

- S. Ignacimuthu

Hope is expectation with some confidence of some fulfilment. Deep in the heart of every person
God has implanted a seed of hope. Hope looks on life with optimism. It cherishes a desire for good
with the expectation of obtaining it and takes a positive attitude to action, discovering
opportunities for success. Hope continues and strives hard resisting the temptation to quit. Trust
prevails even in situations of hopelessness and problems are taken as challenges. Hope dispels
despair.

Hope dreams in a big way. It is not weighed down by obstacles or setbacks.
Defeats are used as a stepping stone to success. It spreads optimism and builds self-esteem. Hope
focuses its attention on the worth of people instead of dwelling on their defects. It is not
embittered by misunderstandings. It is confident in the inherent goodness of persons. Hope stands
the test of time and is relevant for all ages. It anticipates future success and brings cheerfulness
and confidence.

Illustration

Thomas Edison lost two
million dollars’ worth of equipment and the record of much of his life’s work, when the
Edison industries were destroyed by fire in 1914.

Edison’s son Charles, rushing
about to find his father, at last, spotted him standing near the fire, his white hair blown with the
winter wind. His heart ached for his aged father.

Edison saw Charles and shouted:
“Where is your mother?” Find her. Bring her here. She will never see anything like this
again as long as she lives.”

The next morning, walking among the ashes of so many
of his hopes and dreams, the 67 year old Edison said “There is a great value in disaster. All
our mistakes are burned up. Thank God we can start anew.”

Hope Can Be
Cultivated through

Placing one’s trust and confidence in God at
every circumstance

Fighting against dejection and discouragement

Having an
optimistic attitude to life

Developing trust and confidence in the improvement of
others

Using failures as stepping stones to success

Helping others to rise above
their difficulties

Avoiding inferiority complex

Being optimistic

Focusing
one’s attention on the positive aspect of life

Encouraging others not to get
dejected.

Exercises

Recall some
events from your life where hope has helped you to move forward.

Identify situations of
hopelessness and suggest remedy.

Think of some people from your
life experience who had acted with great hope at times of adversity.

“Maturity begins when we are content to feel we are
right about something without feeling the necessity to prove someone else
wrong.”

- Sydney Harris

Maturity is the blossoming of a person’s character in to a unified totality. It develops a
balance emotional outlook, helping the individual to accept oneself with all the talents and
limitations. It also helps to accept others as they are. Maturity assumes responsibility for
one’s actions. It is accountable; it constantly assesses, judges and takes appropriate
decisions. Maturity analyses values ant internalizes them constantly. It helps us to face emotional
crises.

It is a gradual process that comes with self-knowledge and self-realisation. It
shapes a person into a responsible adult helping him/her to overcome inferiority complex. It gives
the serenity to accept what cannot be changed and the courage to change what can be. It gives the
wisdom to know the difference between what is balanced and what is not balanced. Maturity helps to
develop self-control as well as respect for others. It helps us to live by our convictions.

Illustration

Socrates was once asked by one of his disciples:
“Why is it, sir, that you tell everybody who wants to become your disciple to look into this
pond and tell him what he sees?”

“That is very simple, my friend,”
answered the sage, “I am ready to accept all those who tell me they see the fish swimming
around. But those who see only their own image mirrored in the water are in love their ego. I have
no use for them.”

“I have always been a quarter of an hour before time, and it has made a
man of me.”

- Nelson

Regularity is the habit that contributes to the development of character. It exhibits the qualities
of steadiness and constancy. It regulates and systematizes a person’s life. Regularity
disciplines a person and negates any erratic and disorderly way of life. Punctuality manifests an
appreciation and sensitivity for the value of time commitments. When punctuality is practised
judiciously, it curtails any drain of a person’s precious movements.

Punctuality
maximizes a person’s span of life. When punctuality is practised habitually, it develops
peace, calmness, tranquillity and self-confidence. Punctuality wins the respect of others. Our
effectiveness will depend on the punctuality and regularity we practise. When we are unfaithful to
keep an appointment, we prove ourselves dishonest and unreliable.

“Take time to think, it is the source of power Take
time to play, it is the secret of perpetual youth Take time to read, it is the foundation of
wisdom Take time to pray, it is the greatest power on earth Take time to love and to be
loved. It is a God-given privilege Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness
Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul.”

-
Anonymous

Regularity and Punctuality Can Be Cultivated through

Making it a
habit of rising punctuality and regularity each morning

Being on time for various
activities

Keeping to one’s promises

Avoiding tardiness and lethargy

Fulfilling time bound, goal-oriented programmes

Being faithful to all appointments with
others

Adhering to retiring at fixed time table – retiring at particular times

Keeping and observing a regular time schedule.

Exercises

Identify situations of punctuality and regularity.

What
are the effects of being regular and punctual?

Recall the
moments you have felt irritated when others failed to keep punctuality and regularity.

Analyse the problems that might arise if we are not punctual and regular.

“The confidence which we have in ourselves gives birth to much of that
which we have in others.”

- Rochefoucauld

Self-confidence implies trust in oneself and in one’s ability. It
contributes to the enrichment of human character.

Self-confidence creates an awareness
of existence of various abilities in us, gives us the boldness to face difficulties and problems,
and helps us to build our human potential. It makes us think positively and develops in us
self-respect and optimism. Self-confidence is the first secret of success.

Parable

“Who among you will take up the duty of feeding the
hungry?” Lord Buddha asked his followers when famine raged at Shravasti. Ratnakar, the banker,
hung his head and said: “Much more is needed than all my wealth to feed the hungry.”
Jaysen, the chief of the king’s army, said: “I would gladly give my life’s blood,
but there is not enough food in my house.” Dharampal, who owned broad acres of land, said with
a sigh: “The drought demon has sucked my fields dry. I know not how to pay the king’s
dues.” Then rose Supriya, the mendicant’s daughter. She bowed to all and meekly said:
“I will feed the hungry.” “How?” they cried in a surprise. How can you hope
to fulfil that vow?” “I am the poorest of you all,” said Supriya, “and that
is my strength. I have my coffer and my store at each of your houses.”

Self-confidence can be cultivated through

Learning to
make one’s own choices and decisions

Developing a strategy of accomplishing a
goal

Developing a sense of creativity

Training oneself to assume
responsibility

Learning to maintain self-discipline

Discovering one’s
aptitudes

Forming one’s own judgment with respect to the policies and
achievements.

Exercises

Recognize
occasions where self-confidence is operative.

Identify the moments in your life when you
acted with self-confidence.

Self-motivation is the mental determination and will go to achieve what we want. It is the key to
happiness and success in life. Self-motivation has two dimensions. One is mental-related to mind. It
prompts us to think where we want to go and what we want to do. The other is related to action. It
goads us to act and to achieve what we desire. Self-motivated persons determine the goals and act
strongly to achieve them.

In order to be motivated, one must be self-confident. The
most important point in self-motivation is to believe in one’s self. Belief in one’s
self is the very basis of successful self-motivation. Belief in one’s self helps to develop
positive attitudes. Faith in one’s self, faith in others and faith in God will help us move
mountains. If we want to improve our positions in life, if we want to be happier and more
successful, if we want to set newer records, if we want to do anything at all even though it may
seem utterly impossible, we must get self-motivated.

Illustration

Edison, the greatest inventor the world has known, had a resolute self-confidence. Edison
was not able to get along with teachers and students and hence he discontinued his studies. He
received only four years of formal schooling. But he taught himself, by reading Physics and
Chemistry books and the Bible and setting up a small laboratory at home. Despite constant financial
problems Edison was on the creative rampage. He became one of the best scientists due to his
self-motivation.

A friend of Thomas Edison asked him about the results of his
experiments.

Thomas Edison exclaimed, marvelling at the bewildering total of his
failures, namely, 50,000 experiments, before he succeeded with the new storage battery:
“Results,” he said , “why man, I have gotten lots of results: I know 50,000 things
won’t work.”

Motivation Can Be Cultivated through

Making a list of goals in one’s life, arranging them in the order of priority and
setting a date to reach them

Listing the steps one must take to reach one’s
goals

Listing the qualities of personal behaviour to reach these goals

Identifying
the qualities one lacks to achieve these goals

Overcoming the negative qualities

Thinking positively about all things including one’s self

Accepting the best and
always doing the best

Focusing on one’s goal constantly and visualizing them as being
fulfilled

Simplicity refers to being unassuming, ordinary and without artificiality. Simplicity of character
is the natural result of profound thought. It is the hallmark of true greatness.

Simplicity avoids unnecessary and careless spending on superfluous and luxurious things. It
cultivates simple living life style and self-discipline, shuns pomp and show. It makes a person very
humble and human and does not stand on formalities. It relates to all and sundry without any
distinctions of status. It prompts us to reach out to the poor and lonely. Simplicity casts out all
envy and jealousy.

Illustration

Once, a young man was
travelling by train to Paris. After some time he noticed that the simple-looking man seated in front
of him took out his rosary and began to pray. The young man thought: “It is interesting to see
the faith of these simple people; they are so old fashioned. Nowadays no one is taking the rosary
seriously any more. I would never be seen praying the rosary like that, least of all in
public.” These were the thoughts of the young collage graduate as he watched the other man
slowly moving the beads through his fingers. At last, when the man slowly finished his rosary, the
young college graduate decided to speak to him and ask his name. Imagine what his surprise was when
the old man replied: “Louis Pasteur.” “Not Louis Pasteur, the great
scientist?” “Who else?” replied Pasteur. The young college graduate immediately
felt very humble reflecting on the humility of the great man.

Simplicity Can Be
Cultivated through

Controlling carefully one’s expenses

Requesting and using only the basic essentials

Avoiding misuse of things

Curtailing lavish expenditure on different occasions especially during various celebrations